Gaffing?

[gettintite]

when gaffing a fish boatside should you aim for the gill plate or which area to try to subdue them as quickly as possible? Also with big fish and using a flying gaff how exactly do you use that?

thanks
jason

[jerry]

Hey Jason, When I gaff a swordfish I aim for high on the shoulder just behind the gill plate. With a decent fish there is so much space under the gill plate that the gaff may tear out. So I try and keep my shot just behind the gill plate.
With a flying gaff things get a bit more exciting. First make sure your rope is tied or secured somewhere that can take a strain. And that the gaff can reach both sides of the boat should you have to switch sides.
There are two kinds of flyers. The first (type I use) the gaff head fits into the end of the pole and I secure it with a piece of 80lb or 50lb mono. Reason being that when ready I can break off the pole without too much effort. Plus the 80lb mono ensures that the gaff head stays in place while driving into the fish. The worst thing that can happen is for the gaff head to fall out of the pole before really sinking in. In addition to the mono I run my rope along the pole and stretch it over the groove at the end of the pole. I go down another two feet on the other side of the pole and wrap the pole and the ropes on either side with rubber bands. This also aids in not having the pole pull away from the gaff head prior to getting sunk into the fish.
Once the gaff head is in well, holding the rope and the handle, break away the handle by pulling on it.
The other type of flyer is where the head has a turn lock onto the pole. These locks are good as they keep the head in place until you rotate the pole and disengage. One bad thing that happened here on a boat this weekend though, a mate on a boat I was running sunk a flier into a marlin and could not get the head and pole disengaged in time. The marlin bolted, the mate would not let go of the pole and got pulled into the sea. Who knows if the lock got stuck or maybe he was rotating the pole the wrong way.
I will stick with my mono connection or a plastic zip tie.

[hannaman]

I shoot a straight shot into that hard head everytime.

[Canyon Runner]

I second that...hit them in the head! Right through the gill plate is a good place....but the best place, and also a large target on the swords, is through the eyes! I usually try to get bigger swords that I think might have some energy left in them right through the eyes...it is a very strong pulling point. On the shoulder you will ruin meat, I hate when that happens! And if it is a nicer fish and it starts thrashing around, your gaff can rip out because of how soft their bodies are. Also opt for a 4" hook and a 6-8' handle...
Justin
Canyon Runner Sportfishing

[LHPfish]

through the eyes is the best pulling point by far, as stated above. They make for an easy target :shock:

[Break Away]

I have found a harpoon very effictive for swords. You may never go back to a gaff.

[Shorty Poidomani]

I always go for the heart shot! About four inches foward of the pec fins, right in the middle. The fish will bleed out, and be easier and safer to boat!If that shots not available I go for the eyeball! Remember, whenever boating a live sword never let go of the bill till it's off the head! Catch em up!